For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
September 26, 2003

Minority Enterprise Development Week, 2003
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

America's more than 3 million minority-owned businesses represent One
of the fastest-growing segments of our Nation's economy. Through
skill, hard work, and determination, these businesses are strengthening
our Nation and our economy. During Minority Enterprise Development
Week, we recognize these businesses, their owners, and their employees
for their commitment to free enterprise and equal opportunity.

Most businesses in America -- including those that are
minority-owned -- are small businesses. Small businesses are a path to
the American Dream and must be accessible to all of our citizens.
Through the Department of Commerce's Minority Business Development
Agency and the Small Business Administration, we are promoting both the
growth of minority-owned businesses and equal access to Federal
contracts, capital, and management and technical assistance.

Small businesses also create most of the new jobs in our economy,
and my Administration is acting to create an environment where small
businesses grow and thrive. On May 28, I signed the Jobs and Growth
Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003, allowing entrepreneurs to keep
more of their hard-earned money. My Administration is also pursuing an
ambitious trade agenda. This year, I signed legislation implementing
Free Trade Agreements with Chile and Singapore. These new Free Trade
Agreements, and others that my Administration is seeking, not only will
provide cheaper goods for consumers, but also will create new high-wage
jobs for American workers.

I encourage all Americans to recognize the strength and importance
of our country's minority entrepreneurs and their employees. The
talents, skills, and dedication of these citizens enrich our
communities, and we honor their contributions to our Nation.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States
of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution
and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 28 through
October 4, 2003, as Minority Enterprise Development Week. I encourage
all Americans to celebrate this week with appropriate programs,
ceremonies, and activities to recognize the many contributions of our
Nation's minority enterprises.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-sixth
day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of
the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-eighth.